Page 147 of Hate You Up Close

“I’m going with you,” he clarifies.

“Are you sure?” I ask. “This is your wedding shower…”

“And he’s my only brother,” he says, cutting me off. “I’ve never seen him like this before. Whatever he’s going through, he needs to know that he doesn't have to go through it alone.”

Silence fills the air as Everett and I stare back at each other, a quiet understanding passing between us.

Elliot has pushed people away his entire life. He has lied, cheated, and wronged the people he loves in the worst possible way. And even though nothing makes his actions okay, deep down, there’s a reason why he is the way he is. Something he’s been trying to hide for years, but it’s finally risen to the surface.

“Okay,” I nod.

Relief fills my bones at the thought of Everett going with me. I don’t want to do this alone. I don’t know what I would do if something happened to Elliot. I can’t even let my brain go there, or else I might shut down right here.

“Just let me run in and tell Skylar,” he says quickly. “I’ll be right out.”

He spins around and disappears into the house, and I stand frozen in place, praying that Elliot is okay.

Twenty minutes later,Everett and I are rushing through the backdoor of Cellar 23.

When we first arrived at the bar, we didn’t see Elliot anywhere. I was hoping that Adam would be working since he knows about Elliot and his excessive drinking, but he isn't in tonight.

Luckily, when we asked the female bartender if she had seen Elliot tonight, she said he had just left the bar. She said he had downed multiple shots before paying his tab and heading out the backdoor. Apparently, he decided to leave once she noticed he was going overboard and cut him off. She said he arrived via Uber, so she wasn’t worried about him driving but that he was acting distraught.

The concern etched across her face when she spoke about Elliot had me and Everett running for the door at the back of the bar.

The second we step outside, we’re greeted by warm June air and a sky full of stars. I don’t know what it is about Skylar and Everett, but wherever they go, the stars seem to follow.

Everett veers off to the right, walking ahead of me before his steps come to an abrupt halt. I stop behind him, my chest almost bumping into his back.

“Fucking hell, man,” Everett exhales before dropping to his knees beside a dumpster in the back alley.

My pulse beats out of control as I take a few steps and slowly peer around the dumpster, terrified of what I’m going to see.

My heart sinks when I see Elliot sitting on the pavement, slumped between the dumpster and brick wall. He’s whimpering while holding his head between his trembling hands.

God, he looks terrible. So fucking broken and hopeless.He’s lost his suit jacket somewhere, leaving him in his dress shirt and slacks. The sleeves are wrinkled and rolled up to his forearms. His hair is wild, probably because he’s been running his fingers through it. And his eyes are red and puffy from crying.

Even from a few feet away, I can smell the alcohol lingering on his breath.

“Elliot, look at me,” Everett demands softly.

When Elliot doesn't listen, Everett gently wraps his large hands around Elliot’s wrists and removes his hands from his face. Everett curls his hand around Elliot’s neck, forcing him to look up at Everett.

“Talk to me, brother,” Everett croaks. “What is going on?”

Elliot meets his brother's gaze, his eyes glassy as he shakes his head like he can’t find the words to respond.

“Elliot, it’s just me and you,” he pushes. “What are you doing back here?”

I keep my body covered by the dumpster, watching their exchange through teary eyes. If Everett can get Elliot to talk, then I’ll stay hidden. I just want him to get this off of his chest. I want him to stop living with this burden.

“It’s all so fucked up,” Elliot finally croaks. “Everything is fucked up, Everett.”

Everett shakes his head in confusion.

“You were fine an hour ago,” he says. “Now, you’re barely holding yourself together. What could have possibly happened in the past hour to set you off like this? I’ve known you my entire life, and I’ve never seen you this way. Not once.”

Elliot scoffs.